Apparatus for protecting structural supports

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for protecting structural supports from damage when impacted by an object such as a moving vehicle is provided. The apparatus has a shaped component which in the preferred embodiment is a semi-cylindrical component having a body defined by a wall, a top, and a base. The wall has at least one flat wall face and surrounds a hollow interior. An indentation for receiving a structural support is present in at least one flat wall face. A device for securing the shaped component to the structural support and for firmly seating one component at its flat wall face against the second component at its flat wall face when two components are present. Preferably, each component has a plurality of impact absorbing indentations, each having an aperture, a base and a wall extending from the base to an aperture mouth. These indentations function to re-distribute the energy of impact when a collusion occurs between the apparatus and a moving object. Preferably, each component is formed by rotational molding from a plastic resin.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application, claimingpriority from a patent application having serial No. 09/834,776 filed onApr. 13, 2001, which was a continuation application claiming priorityfrom an application having Ser. No. 09/538,159, filed Mar. 29, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No.6,244,781 B1, which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 09/132,913, filed Aug. 12, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,611, whichclaims the benefit of provisional application serial No. 60/055,276,filed Aug. 13, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] An apparatus for protecting structural columns and supports fromdamage resulting from impact from a moving vehicle while preventing orreducing damage to that vehicle and its driver is provided. Theinventive apparatus finds use in aquatic and in industrial settings suchas in a warehouse where loaders and tow motors impact structuralsupports or at a wharf where small boats are docking. The apparatus alsofinds use as a safety device to reduce and prevent damage to vehiclesand their drivers during collisions with stationary objects such aspoles, posts, and the like.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Accidental collisions between vehicles such as cars, trucks andboats and support structures such as poles or columns occur frequently.When vehicles are backing, limited visibility adds to the problem ofsafely avoiding the structural supports. If the area is crowded withother vehicles or with materials to be moved such as in a warehouse,backing of a vehicle can be especially problematic. Accidentalacceleration or poor traction due to spills or wet surfaces often alsoresults in collisions between vehicles and structural supports such aslight poles, telephone poles, traffic lights, and the like. Accidentalacceleration or poor judgement of the distance between a boat and asupporting structure also occur resulting in damage.

[0006] In warehouses, previous attempts to protect a structural supportor a vehicle and its driver from damage suffered due to collision havetended to protect one or the other, but not both. Further, such deviceshave been complicated or messy to install or both. Devices whichpartially enclose a structural support are known. One device to protectpeople who collide with I-beams from the impact, is the Soft-Post.™.Urethane Pad. Such a pad is substantially C-shaped and clips around theupper and lower extensions of the I beam while failing to cover the bodyof the I. Partial enclosure of a structural support is shown, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,925 (Vargo), the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference, a three quarters surround postprotector which is bolted to the floor. Devices which surround a supportthereby providing a greater protection and re-enforcement to the supportare known. For example, to protect structural supports, especially thosein warehouses, the structural supports have been encased in concrete orsuch supports have been provided by a hollow cylindrical device filledwith concrete or gravel such as the Column Cushion available from AnconBuilding Services Div. Goshen, Ind. 46526. Another example of protectiveapparatus, the pieces of which are connected by a tongue and groovesystem, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,386 (Menichini), the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] Protective devices also are known and used in aquaticenvironments such as at the base of a bridge support, on the supportingstructures of an oil rig in the ocean and on the posts supporting awharf. Such devices include encasing the supporting structure inconcrete as above and providing a cushioning fender such as in U.S. Pat.No. 5,562,364 (Darder-Alomar), the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

[0008] None of the aforementioned provides the combined properties ofimpact absorption, protection of the structural support, costeffectiveness in manufacturing, and ease of installation which areprovided by the inventive apparatus.

[0009] It is an object of this invention to provide a protectiveapparatus which is resilient and absorbs and redistributes impact.

[0010] It is another object of the instant invention to provide aprotective apparatus which is easy to install and economical tomanufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An apparatus for protecting a structural support and absorbingimpact is provided. The apparatus for protecting a structural supportincludes a shaped component for receiving a structural support and ameans for securing the shaped component to the structural support. Inthe preferred embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of two shapedcomponents which are mirror images of one another and a means to secureone component to the other component. Most preferably, each is asemi-cylindrical component having a top, a base, and a wall. Each top,base and wall has an exterior face, an interior face. A hollow interioris defined by the wall, top and base, thus providing a body. Eachsemi-cylindrical component has a flat exterior face and a roundedexterior face. An indentation for receiving a supporting structure ispresent at the flat exterior face and extends from the top to the base.Preferably, indentations for absorbing impact are present at the roundedexterior face.

[0012] The body wall of each semi-cylindrical component has a thicknessand is comprised of a plastic material which may be a vinyl, apolyethylene, a polypropylene, or a polyurethane. Preferably, the bodyis comprised of a UV stabilized polyethylene which is shaped byrotational molding. Each semi-cylindrical component is highly resilient,stress crack resistant, a semi-flexible. Preferably, each body of thetwo semi-cylindrical components has a vent hole. Advantageously, due tothe flexibility of the body material, the semi-cylindrical componentsconform to the shape of the structural support at their respective flatfaces when the two semi-cylindrical components are placed face to faceand are stabilized in position by the means for securing the shapedcomponent to the structural support, thus slippage around the support isminimized.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment, at the exterior rounded face of eachof the semi-cylindrical components, are a plurality of discontinuousindentations for absorbing impact. Each has an aperture mouth, anaperture base and a plurality of aperture walls extending from theaperture base to the aperture mouth. The aperture walls and aperturebase are continuous with the wall of the semi-cylindrical body. Thediscontinuous indentations function to deflected impact energy away fromthe structural support. The discontinuous indentations at theirrespective aperture bases terminate in the hollow body interior at adistance from the interior flat face of the wall. Thus, a hollow regionremains between the aperture base and the interior surface of the flatwall face to protect, cushion and redistribute the energy of the impacttraveling towards the structural support. Preferably, the aperture wallsform an angle at their respective aperture bases. Most preferably, eachaperture base has a smaller area than that of the aperture mouth.

[0014] Also present at the exterior face of the rounded wall of the bodyis a continuous indentation for receiving a means for securing theshaped components to the structural support. The continuous indentationis seated at approximately the same position on each of the twosemi-cylindrical components so that when the means for securing theshaped components to the structural supports secured at a circumference,the semi-cylindrical components are positioned on the structuralsupport. Preferably, the means for securing the shaped components to thestructural support is a belt or a strap having a hooked surface at oneend and a napped surface for mating to the hooked surface at theopposite end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of one embodiment of theapparatus having two semi-cylindrical components for protecting astructural support where the apparatus is held in position by a meansfor securing the shaped components to the structural support.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with an I beamseated in a central position and indicates the position through which across-section is taken.

[0017]FIG. 2A shows a cross-section of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view showing the flat wall face of oneof the semi-cylindrical components of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a front view of the exterior rounded face of anembodiment of the instant invention wherein the structural support isround in cross-section and indicates the position through which across-sectional view is taken.

[0020]FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 illustrating a materialdisposed in the air chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1 which illustrates a first embodiment ofthe inventive apparatus 10 seated about an I beam structural support 12,the apparatus has a first semi-cylindrical component 14 and a secondsemi-cylindrical component 16 held in place by a means for securing theshaped components 14 and 16 to the structural support. The means forsecuring the shaped component to the structural support 12 illustratedis a belt or a strap 18 having a first end 20 and a second end 22. Inthe open position, the first end 20 and the second end 22 extend fromeither side of the apparatus 10 at an indentation 30 for seating themeans for securing the shaped components 14 and 16 to the structuralsupport 12. The first end 20 is shown to have a hooked surface 32 on afirst face. The second end 22 has a napped surface on a second face (notshown). When the ends 20 and 22 are mated at the aforementioned faces,the hooked surface 32 engages the napped surface, thereby making aclosed loop 34. Tension is applied when mating the hooked and the nappedsurfaces to secure the two semi-cylindrical components 14 and 16 attheir respective exterior flat wall surfaces one to the other inposition around the structural support 12 at the indentation 40 forreceiving the structural support. The means for securing the shapedcomponents 14 and 16 to the structural support 12 is preferably made ofa strong, flexible, material belt such as a nylon fabric and a fastenersuch as Velcro.™. However, other materials such as leather or anothertype of fabric may be used and other fasteners such as buckles may beused as should be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0023] A seam, generally referenced as 42, is created between the twosemi-cylindrical components 14 and 16 when the components 14 and 16 aremated at their respective edges. The seam 42 is closely sealed by themeans for securing the shaped components 14 and 16 to the structuralsupport. Preferably, air vents, generally referenced as 46, holes whichextend from the interior face through to the exterior face of therounded wall of the body are present in each semi-cylindrical component14 and 16. The two vents 46 in the first embodiment have differinglocations on the two components 14 and 16, as seen by comparison ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus 10 is preferably comprised of a UVstabilized resilient plastic.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2A which is a cross-section of FIG. 2 inthe plane indicated, each semi-cylindrical component 14 and 16 has aplurality of discontinuous indentations, generally referenced by thenumber 50; a rounded exterior wall face 52; a flat exterior wall face54; and a hollow interior space 56. Each discontinuous indentation 50has an aperture mouth 60, an aperture base 62 having a variable width,and a plurality of aperture walls 64 extending from the aperture base 62to the aperture mouth 60. These discontinuous indentations 50 functionto redistribute impact energy when the apparatus 10 is struck. Each airvent 46 functions to vent air from the hollow interior 56 of therespective component 14 or 16 when the apparatus 10 is seated around thestructural support 12 and is impacted at the respective component 14 or16. Conversely, air returns through each air vent 46 to the respectivehollow interior 56 after impact when the resilient material regains itsformer shape. Each semi-cylindrical component 14 and 16 may have a foot68 at the base or the base may be directly in contact with the floorsurface.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, one of the pair of semi-cylindricalcomponents 16 is illustrated in a rear isometric view. Thesemi-cylindrical component 14 has a top surface 80 and an exterior flatwall face 82 having a substantially flat surface. The flat surface 82has at its center an indentation 84 defining one half of the indentation40 (FIG. 1) for receiving the structural support 12. At the roundedexterior face 52 (FIG. 2) of the component 14 the continuousindentations 30, an indentation for receiving a means for securing theshaped component to the structural support 12 extend fully to the flatrear wall surface 82. At the base of the semi-cylindrical component 14is the optional foot 68.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4 which illustrates a front view of asecond embodiment of the instant invention and which indicates the planein which the cross-sectional view shown as FIG. 4A is taken, thediscontinuous indentations 100 at the rounded exterior face 102 of thesemi-cylindrical component 104 have a round shaped aperture 106. As isillustrated in FIG. 4A, the walls 108 of the indentations 100 slantinwardly to provide a cone-shaped indentation 100. The indentation 110for receiving a structural support 112 is rounded when the components104 and 114 are juxtaposed one to each other. However, it may also beshaped to receive an I beam or other structural support.

[0027] The wall thickness may vary from use to use. Preferably, for usein a warehouse where structural supports are to be protected from impactfrom tow motors, the wall thickness ranges from about 1 inches to about3 inches. The base of the discontinuous indentations is distanced fromthe flat interior wall surface by about 2 inches.

[0028] The preferred method of forming the semi-cylindrical componentsof the instant invention is by rotational molding from a UV stabilizedrotational grade molding resin such as for example a polyethylene LLDPEresin, NRA-235 (available from Mobil Polymers, Norwalk, Conn.) whichforms a resilient product after molding. As a result of the rotationalmolding process, the stress crack resistant surface is formed. However,the exterior face of each component may be provided with a coating of asecond plastic material. Biocidal agents may be incorporated into thesecond plastic coating to prevent or retard growth on the apparatusespecially in, for example, aquatic environments.

[0029] The instant invention may be stacked one apparatus on top of theother to provide greater protection at a height above the firstapparatus for protecting a structural support.

[0030] While the apparatus has been described as comprised of twosemi-cylindrical components, rotational molding also allows for theformation of other shapes, such as triangular, rectangular and so on,depending upon the shape of the structural to be protected and thedirection of expected impact. Further, the body itself absorbs impactand does not require discontinuous indentations for low energy impactuses. For example, should the structure be an overhanging one, such asfor example a drive through at a restaurant, a body having a top, abase, a wall and a hollow interior may be formed. When the body ismounted at the under-surface of the overhang, impact results in airrelease from the hollow interior and in impact absorption.

[0031] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the chamber defining the hollow interiorspace 56 is filled with a material 70. Although it is desirable for thechamber to be completely filled with the material 70, this is notrequired. Only a portion of the chamber needs to be filled. The materialmay be a compressible and/or elastic material such as foam, but notlimited thereto. What is meant by the term “elastic material” is thatafter having a force applied thereto, the material has the ability tosubstantially return to its original configuration with the samematerial properties. The material may also be a liquid or gel material.Any material may be chosen in accordance with sound engineering judgmentprovided that the components 14, 16 can effectively protect thestructural support.

[0032] The foregoing is considered only illustrative of the currentlypreferred embodiments of the invention presented herein. Since numerousmodifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, it isnot desired to limit the invention to the exact construction used toillustrate the various means comprising this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for protecting an elongatedstructural support from impact said apparatus comprising: an elongatedimpact protection component in the form of a single unitary part havinga top, a base, and a peripheral side wall, said side wall having a rearportion configured to mate with the structural support so as to seatsaid component in an installed position adjoining the structuralsupport; said side wall surrounding a chamber and further having a frontportion configured to deflect inwardly toward said rear portion so as toreduce the volume of said chamber upon the impact of a vehicle or thelike, and thereby to protect the structural support from said impact, aportion of said chamber being filled with a material; and, said frontportion of said side wall having inner and outer surfaces withundulating contours that define projections at said inner surface andcorresponding indentations at said outer surface.
 2. An apparatus forprotecting an elongated structural support from impact, said apparatuscomprising: an elongated impact protection component having a top, abase, and a peripheral side wall which surrounds a chamber, a portion ofsaid chamber being filled with a material, said side wall having a rearportion configured to mate with the structural support so as to seatsaid component in an installed position adjoining the structuralsupport, said side wall further having a front portion configured todeflect inwardly toward said rear portion so as to reduce the volume ofsaid air chamber upon the impact of a vehicle, and thereby to protectthe structural support from said impact; and, a belt configured toextend across said front portion of said side wall in a second positionin which said belt secures said component in said installed position. 3.A method for assembling an apparatus for protecting an associatedstructural support, the method comprising the steps of: forming anelongated impact protection component, said component having a top, abase, and a peripheral side wall which surrounds a chamber, a portion ofsaid chamber being filled with a material, said side wall having a rearportion configured to mate with the structural support so as to seatsaid component in an installed position adjoining the structuralsupport, said side wall further having a front portion configured todeflect inwardly toward said rear portion so as to reduce the volume ofsaid chamber upon the impact of a vehicle, and thereby to protect thestructural support from said impact; and, associating a belt with saidcomponent for securing said component to the structural support.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising the step of: filling at least aportion of the chamber with a material.
 5. A method for protecting astructural support, comprising the steps of: providing an elongatedimpact protection component having a top, a base, and a peripheral sidewall which surrounds a chamber, said side wall having a rear portionconfigured to mate with the structural support, said side wall furtherhaving a front portion; positioning said component in an installedposition adjoining the structural support; and, securing said componentin said installed position with a belt.
 6. The method of claim 5,further comprising the steps of: impacting said component; deflectingsaid front portion of said side wall inwardly toward said rear portion;reducing the volume of said chamber; and, protecting said structuralsupport.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said chamber is filled with amaterial.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein reducing the volume of saidchamber further comprises: compressing said material.